The approval of the resignation of Tony Stone, Principal of Bradie Shrum Upper Elementary, and Wade Tomlinson, High School Girls Basketball Coach, was approved by the Salem School Board at their recent meeting held on April 13 along with the retiring of James Gwaltney, Salem Middle School Science and Math teacher, and Marcia Gwaltney, Bradie Shrum Lower Elementary second grade teacher. Both James and Marcia will be re-hired in July for part-time.
Other personnel approved were: Nancy Pullman from Route #14 bus driver to sub bus driver, CherylHogan, sub driver, Shawnee Hutson, bus driver for #14, Beth Brown, bus monitor on bus #26, Sara Calhoun, Extra Curricular yearbook, Kathy Dye, Randy Nichols and Crystal Mikels, Destination Imagination.
The board approved the following donations to Salem High School: $1,500 to Athletic Department from First Harrison Bank, $1,000 to Student Council; $1,370 to SADD and $100 to Salem High School from Washington County Substance Abuse Council.

The board also approved the elimination of the ISS position and to liquidate stocks and transfer funds to Salem Education Foundation.
The Board approved the proposal of the Third Party Purchasing service for food service accounts to the Hospital.
The 2009-2010 school calendar was amended with no early release days for professional development workshops, due to changes at the State level.
Assistant Superintendent Thurston asked the board for permission to advertise a bid for School District Case Management Program. “We currently have seven lending institutions in our area, although we are not unhappy with our current program, I think its just time to see was available.” stated Thurston. The board agreed unanimously.
Thurston along with Brent Minton, J.D. Wade-Swift and Jackie Arnold asked the board to approve their recommendation of new workstations at all schools including, computers and printers to be installed to enhance learning through technology.
“We need strong reliable equipment to support CORE 40, ISTEP and send data electronically. We know every person is not ready to embrace this process but we have a core group of people that are ready and equipped to use this technology.” stated Thurston. According to Thurston each workstation will cost approximately $850 which with a total cost of $213,350.00 which will come from a technology loan of $300,000. The remainder $87,000 will be used to upgrade classroom teachers equipment. Staff members will submit a written report on how they plan to use the new equipment and what the outcome will be in the future.
“We want to be current and on top of technology but everything changes so quickly.” said Thurston.
The board also gave approval to the hiring of a Title I Literacy Teacher position and to renew two year administrative contracts with Kim Thurston, Derek Smith, Gene Sutton, Brent Minton, Jackie Arnold, Ray Oppel and Randy Johnson.
An advisory council will be formed to study other school corporations of how they handle recognition programs of student athletes due to each sport being a different member of an association. This is not in conjunction with ISHAA.
Superintendent Reed informed the board and patrons that kindergarten registration went great and they have several out of district requests and three early requests. Also Salem Schools are currently working on summer school programs that will be offered.
The next meeting is Monday, May 11 at 6:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend.